The Jay Jody Journey: A time to SHINE (o'Clock)

25 July 2024 - The atmosphere at Cedar Square Jozi was met with much anticipation from fans and critics alike, as all gathered for the awaited debut release of Jay Jody's SHINE o'Clock.

If ever an evening was a testament to exceptional hospitality and seamless entertainment, Jozi Gin held its very own.

From the excellent service to the welcome drinks, with compliments to Schweppes and Red Bull, the DJ set the tone with a perfect blend of chilled throwbacks and modern beats that had everyone singing and dancing.

To add to the excitement of the evening, we had the privilege of sitting down for an intimate conversation with Jay Jody himself.

A 'SHINE o'clock conversation with Jay Jody:

Q: What sets SHINE o'Clock apart from your previous album, (Release Form)?

Jay Jody: "The major difference with SHINE o'Clock is how I approached the creation of this album. With (Release Form), I was more cautious, thinking about how my words and sounds would be perceived. But with SHINE o'Clock, I decided to let go of that overthinking and fully express myself. It’s more vulnerable and raw. I wanted to share parts of myself that I hadn't before, without worrying about being uniform or perfect. It’s all about being authentic and letting my feelings lead the way."

Q: Do you have a favorite track from the album?

Jay Jody: "Oh man, asking an artist to pick a favorite track is always tough! Each song has its own unique vibe and mood. It changes depending on how I’m feeling. Right now, I'm really connecting with tracks like 'The Cool' and 'Soul Ties' for their soulful essence and the way they evoke deep emotions. 'Soul Ties' makes me think about love and connections, while 'Vamanos,' which features A-Reece, is a powerful collaboration that brings a different energy to the album."

Q: Why did you name the album SHINE o'Clock?

Jay Jody: "The name is a bit of a nod to a line I wrote back in 2017. At that time, I was saying 'It’s shine o'clock,' which was more about self-affirmation. Over time, it evolved into something more significant. It’s about seizing the moment and shining through challenges. It’s a call to embrace your own greatness and not wait for the right time."

Q: The concept of choosing between the red and blue pills from 'The Matrix' has come up in your discussions. Can you elaborate on this?

Jay Jody: "Yes, I’ve always been fascinated by 'The Matrix' and its deeper meanings. For me, it’s about the idea that sometimes you can’t just choose one path; you can blend and adapt. Life is not always black and white, and sometimes, taking elements from both sides can be the most insightful way to move forward."

Q: You’ve mentioned self-love and mental health in your music. How do you feel about where you are personally with self-love and mental health?

Jay Jody: "I feel much better now. After losing my father in 2019, I had to do a lot of soul-searching and healing. I worked on fixing myself spiritually, mentally, and physically. It was a journey of growth, and now, I feel like I’m in a place where I can genuinely choose myself and my well-being. It’s crucial to address mental health openly, and I encourage everyone to seek counseling and support. It's okay to take care of yourself and not be afraid to show vulnerability."

Q: What would you say to young black men in South Africa who are struggling with mental health issues but are afraid to seek help?

Jay Jody: "It's tough, and I understand the fear of being judged or ostracized. But you have to recognize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Surround yourself with people who support and understand you. It’s important to be vulnerable and to talk about what you’re going through. Your mental health matters, and addressing it is a crucial step towards healing and personal growth."

We also spoke with BlakLez, one of the featured artists on the album, who shared his thoughts on the collaboration and the album’s themes.

BlakLez: "Jay and I have always had a strong working relationship. When he brought up the idea for the track, it felt like a natural fit. We often discuss topics like family and community, and this song reflects those conversations. It’s about addressing the pressures we face and finding ways to overcome them."

Q: What’s your take on mental health for black men?

BlakLez: "There’s immense pressure on black men to succeed and appear strong, which can make it difficult to open up about mental health struggles. Social media and societal expectations only add to this pressure. It’s crucial for men to find safe spaces where they can be honest and vulnerable. I'm glad that artists like Jay are highlighting these issues and encouraging discussions around mental health."

BlakLez: "My advice would be to ease the pressure you put on yourself. Surround yourself with supportive and understanding people. It’s okay to be vulnerable and seek help when needed. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey."

SHINE O'CLOCK Album Review:

Jay Jody’s SHINE o'Clock is more than just an album; it’s a movement towards self-acceptance, mental health awareness, and personal empowerment. With co-starring acts such as BlakLez, 25K, Gemma Fassie, Ayanda Jiya, Blxckie, and A-Reece, the album delivers a diverse and self-reflective musical experience.

It’s a reminder that shining bright starts with loving and understanding oneself. So, how will you shine if you don’t love yourself?